Best Community and School Garden Grants in New Mexico

Indian Affairs Department

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a Cabinet Level agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico.

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a cabinetlevel agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico, leading change through a variety of programs and administration of funding opportunities. IAD investigates and addresses the health, economy, education and legislative impacts affecting Indian conditions and relations in New Mexico.

IAD collaborates with other state agencies, promotes public participation and serves as the clearinghouse for all state programs impacting Indian communities.

The department may hold hearings, conduct meetings, investigate issues and partner with tribal, local, state and federal entities to promote the welfare of New Mexico’s Indian people.

It also contracts with tribal governments, public agencies or private entities to provide services and facilities for Indian communities.

IAD also focuses on matters such as Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation and more.

Tribal Community Garden

Tribal Community Gardens is intended to support projects that promote community gardens through community-led initiatives that provide education, hands-on gardening experience, home garden resources, and long-term sustainability through seed saving and community capacity building.

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to strengthen food sovereignty, community wellness, environmental stewardship, and cultural knowledge through community-led gardening initiatives. Funding will support Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes in establishing or expanding community gardens that provide education, hands-on gardening experience, gardening resources, and longterm sustainability.

Projects should increase access to healthy foods by encouraging community members to engage in gardening while preserving traditional agricultural knowledge, encouraging intergenerational learning, and building local systems that continue beyond the grant period.

Schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus garden or cooking programs in New Mexico communities with a nearby Sprouts Farmers Market can apply for the Sprouting School Gardens Grant; awards up to US $5,000 for direct program expenses. Funding supports school garden operations, supplies, and educator stipends for horticulture and gardening education.

Nonprofit organizations with urban organic agriculture projects that feed low-income communities can receive US $3,000 for community gardens in New Mexico and other eligible areas. Nature's Path Organic provides support to registered U.S. and Canadian nonprofits managing organic gardens that supply food banks, school feeding programs, shelters, and similar initiatives.

New Mexico school 3rd grade classes interested in horticulture and gardening can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation’s 3rd Grade Cabbage Program. Eligible teachers, parents, and administrators can enroll classes to receive free cabbage plants and a chance for one student per state to win US $1,000 in in-kind support.

K–12 schools in New Mexico seeking horticulture and gardening resources for STEAM education can receive in-kind support, including garden infrastructure and teaching tools, valued at US $7,500. Captain Planet Foundation’s Project Learning Garden package provides raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum access, materials, and online teacher training to integrate garden-based learning throughout the year.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Garden Club of Houston, established in 1924, promotes gardening and environmental conservation through various community initiatives. Their funding supports nonprofit organizations and government entities, focusing on projects that enhance public landscapes, educational resources, and community gardens. Grants are not awarded for operating funds or endowments, with preference given to projects within the greater Houston area. This commitment to civic improvement underscores their mission to foster a love of gardening and environmental stewardship.

Schools, homeschooling families, and education organizations in New Mexico can use this grant to create hydroponic classroom gardens that support STEM and nutrition education. Rise Gardens provides horticulture and gardening resources that foster hands-on science, entrepreneurship projects, and community-building, which may benefit community and school garden initiatives.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees who plan careers in commercial cut flower production can receive US $1,000 scholarships plus a one-year membership to support their professional growth. Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers offers this funding nationally, and New Mexico students interested in community, school, or other cut flower gardening may be eligible.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions conducting floriculture and horticulture research in New Mexico can access funding through American Floral Endowment’s Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund. Grants support research and educational projects in floriculture and related fields, and New Mexico programs connected to community or school gardening may be eligible if housed within qualifying institutions.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations planning to turn vacant lots into community or school gardens in New Mexico can apply for KidsGardening’s Lots of Compassion program. Focused on horticulture, gardening, and neighborhood greening, this U.S.-wide grant awards US $20,000 to projects serving under-resourced communities with at least fifteen garden participants.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in New Mexico and nationwide can apply for the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund to support retail floral education events and training. Administered by American Floral Endowment, this fund offers grants or scholarships that reduce or cover registration fees, which may benefit community or school garden programs with a floral education focus.

New Mexico horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota’s Hometown Proud Grant Program, which offers up to US $50,000 in combined cash and equipment. 501(c)(3) organizations developing community or school gardens, parks, or other public green spaces may be competitive among 10 winners selected nationwide.

Universities, governmental agencies, industry researchers, and other 501(c)(3) organizations conducting horticulture and plant science research that benefits specialty cut flower growers in New Mexico can apply for competitive funding; awards total US $30,000. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Research Foundation supports one-year projects, including those connected to community or school garden initiatives.

Organizations in New Mexico starting or improving youth garden programs serving at least 15 children ages 0–18 can receive US $500 in gardening supplies through the national Youth Garden Grant. With a mission to support horticulture and gardening education, KidsGardening provides tools, seeds, and curriculum to expand hands-on learning in under-resourced communities.

NGC-member garden clubs in New Mexico can apply for National Garden Clubs’ Ames Tools Grant, receiving up to US $250 in in-kind tools for community or school garden and garden-therapy projects. Projects may run March 1–September 30, 2026, and can involve joint ventures with other organizations when the applying club is an NGC member.

New Mexico women with experience in horticulture, agriculture, or related fields who plan full-time graduate study in the U.S. can use this scholarship for advanced degrees. Community and school garden leaders pursuing master’s or doctoral work may be eligible for the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association’s Sarah Bradley Tyson Memorial Fellowship, which awards US $4,000 for study.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Beacon Grants offers a unique opportunity for Elks Lodges to initiate and lead charitable projects in their local communities. This program encourages Lodges to develop sustainable initiatives, allowing them to address community needs effectively. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, the Beacon Grants enhance the quality of life for residents, including veterans and families. In 2025-26, all Lodges will have the chance to participate, promoting a culture of giving back.

The Schilling Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides six $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from select schools. Renewable for up to three years, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in 12 credit hours, and major in Agriculture. An essay submission is required, and applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees in various Agriculture fields.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Harry Emley and Mary Joslin Bennett Scholarship

Selection based upon:

• Academic achievement, financial need, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $500 scholarship

The Fisher Family Lost Acres Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students pursuing agriculture, horticulture, or related majors. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students planning to enroll in accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may affect other financial aid. Students are encouraged to check with college financial aid offices for guidance on potential implications.

The Diana and Leon Feffer Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduates attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Students can receive up to $3,000, which may affect financial aid. Scholarships can cover tuition and other educational costs, and recipients should confirm tax implications with their colleges or tax advisors.

About

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Garden Grants

Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Robert Woolley Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Stanislaus County attending a four-year university to study horticulture.

Award Amount:

• $10,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Bob Boggeri Farms Fund

Open to students planning to pursue a degree in Ag or Horticulture. Must be a FFA member and demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students from Hughson.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, established in 2001, supports students from Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, or Allegan County pursuing careers in horticulture or the green industry. Administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need and academic achievement. Applicants, including high school seniors and college students, must submit transcripts and additional required documents. This scholarship aims to foster education and partnerships within West Michigan's green industry.